A corpora



July 8 1930.

A. L. DUNCAN PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet A. L. DUNCAN July 8, 1930. 7 Re. 17,726 I PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4. 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 'A. L. DUNCAN July 8, 1930.

PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1924 9 Sheet s-Sheet 3 a I V az 7s 7s I l 1 1 6a" 84 a J a 62 gnuentoz 6a 1 L. x

6th! nu J l 8 1930 A. 9.. DUNCAN PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 8,1930. DUNCAN Re. 17,726

PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4. 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 l ////17 ung 7 fl Jnwnloc July 8, 1930. Re. 17,726

PEACH FITTING APP 'ATUS Original Filed Feb. 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 A. L. DUNCAN July 8, 19 0. Re. 17,726

PEACH PITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Jnwntoz A. L. DUNCAN July 8, 1930. Re. 17,726

PEACH FITTING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 named July 8, 1930 UNITED STATES,

PATENT 'IOFFICE ARTHUR L. DUNCAN, OI OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOB, IBY IESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO PACIFIC MACHINERY COMPANY, 01 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORA- 'ITION OF CALIFORNIA PEACH-FITTING APPARATUS Original No. 1,488,078, dated June '17, 1924, Serial 18,259, dated February 9, 1928, Serial No. '24:,402, flied October 6, 1928. Serial No. 310,884.

The present application relates to corin I and pitting fruit and the like articles, an

more particularly the invention relates to improvements for pitting or coring and trimming fruit such as cling'stone peaches, freestone peaches, plums, pears, apples and the like.

In natural formation of single pit fruits such as peaches the pit consists of two curved side surfaces, and a rib or fin'like edge form around the suture of the sides substantially in the plane of greatest sectional area of the pit. At the point of attachment of the stem to the fruit, the pitcomes practically to the surface of the fiesh or ulpwhere there is a natural depression, and substantially in the plane of the fin like edge or rib of the pit anatural crease is formed on the outside of the fruit. Opposite the stem end of the fruit a spike is formed on the pit and on the pulp, While on some varieties a fibrous growt extends from the spike of the pit to the spik formation on the pulp. I

It has been heretofore the practice in pitting clingstone peaches b hand to make a cut with a straight blade knife around the fruit to the depth of the pit, following the line of the outside crease, then to insert a curved pitting spoon from the stem end-of the fruit along one of the curved sides of the pit as a guide, the curved pitting spoon be mg inserted about midway between the lines of the fin like edge, rib or suture, then cutting through the pulp from the point of insertion to one side of the out which is first made with the straight bladed knife, then receding to the opposite side of the cut made by the straight bladed knife. This separates one halfof the peach. The other half, with the it imbedded is then separated from the pit by gouging out the it with the same curved pitting spoon. T e pul or flesh is now separated substantially in alves, with the pit out free in the manner above set forth. This prior hand process is relatively wasteful due to mutilation of a large percentage of the fruit by inexperienced and careless help and is also slow' and expensive.

I have discovered that when pitting fruit such as clingston'e'peaehes improved results in. 090,410, filed February 4, 1m. IeTuueIo. filed December 9, 1925. 'rhieapplication tor reissue are obtained, and the pit may be economically removed if the natural crease and the fin like edge or rib formation or suture of the pit are utilized as a ide for insertion of the pitting spoon or nife'. With the concept of utilizin as a basis, the fin like or ribbed edge of t e it and the natural crease on the outside oft e fruit as guides, I have discovered various improved apparatus and methods of pitting or coring fruit such as clingstone peaches.

My improved methods for hand pitting comprise the steps of utilizing the natural crease formation to indicate the location of the fin like or ribbed edge of the pit, inserting a curved pitting knife or spoondn the pulp along the fin like or ribbed edge of the pit as a guide for starting the cutting operation, and cutting the pit free from the pa] starting from-the fin like or ribbed edge 0 the pit instead of from the curved side of the pit as has been heretofore the practice.

removal of the freed central core orpit. For the canning of high grade fruit, it 1s preferable that the crease formation of the pulp together with the fibrous material extending from the spike end of the pulp to the spike end of the pit be removed. For this reason it is desirableto remove a slice from the flesh of the fruit including the natural crease formation and fibers. The removal of the slice is however not essential to the practice of,

the operation, as the pulp maybe cut in halves to permit removal of the pit or core, or may be divided in any suitable manner. While first cutting the pit free from the pulp and then'separating the pulp in halves to free pit or core therefrom is contemplated within the scope of the invention. it ispreferable to divide or se arate the pulp substantially in the plane 0 the rib or fin like edge of the pit prior to cutting the pit or core from the pulp. In the preferred embodiments of the invention a channel or groove is formed in the pulp either by removing a slice therefrom or by forming a wedge shaped cut or incision, or by separating the pulp in any other manner to permit the entry of the cutting knife or pitting spoon in the channel or incision.

I The pulp of the frult is preferably halved to permit growth extending pit through the pulp ofjthe ru1t andto cut. the pit, therefrom and'present a smooth even Accordingl'y'an object of the present-invention is to provide improved-methods and apparatus for coring and pitting fruit.

Another object of the inventionis to provide an improved apparatus for automatically and mechanically separating a fruit in halves or section's'and for removing a pit or core therefrom.

Further objects of the nvention are to provide an apparatus capable of'lmiformly cut ting the fruit into sections sothat the .cut edges will present smooth,'even and trimmed surfaces; preferably to remove the fibrous fromthe s ike end of the pulp bodyin the cavity occupiedby the re-' moved pit; to provide .a mechanically oper thereby 'increasin ated apparatus can able ,ofoperating on a greater number of 'ts within a given t1me h s ac'comphshed by present hand methods, -and production, enhancing the quality and re ucing the cost of halving, pitting and the fruit. 7 V Thespecificlembodiment of a paratus for carrying outnty improved met ods hereinafter disclosed nsists .ina centering or impaling device to eceive the fruitto properly present it to tr' i, 'ng, cutting and transfer members; Secondly to provide a trimming,

cutting and transfer-member which in'cooperation with other means conveys the fruitinto operative relation-with :trimming and cutting membersso that an annular slice to the depth of the a pit is. removed from the fruit; third, to provide-engaging cup members for-removing the fruit from the con- "veying member and so constructedas to conform to the configuration of the' fruit with,-

out in any manner pinching orinjuring thesurface the of; fourthfto provide a mechanism for 'removin the pulp adhering to the a the annular groove and i pit at the base g V astly, to provide a pit removing knife de-. signed for reception within the annular groove and to come substantially in contact with the rib'or fin like edge or suture ofthe pit and for movement axially-of the pit to cutthe same from the fruitbody. With the-above-mentioned and other 7 or sacrificing any. of the advantages of the invention.

Tojmore fully comprehend the invention,

- reference is directed to the accompanying structure illustrated ticnlarly the operating mechanism forthe 'ble the same time to beob T jects in view, the invention consists in thea novel methods, construction and-combina f tion of parts herein described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and set forth in the cl'aimshereto appended, it beingunder stood that various changes in the form,-proportion, size and minor details of'construc- 'tion within-the scope of the claims maybe 7 resorted to without departing from the spirit drawing disclosing one embodiment thereof,

wherein:"- F1gure 1- 1s a view ni'side elevatlon.

"Figure 2 is a view in top planwith certain of the elements removed to clearly disclose the movable bed. a v

Figure 3 is a view in end elevation of the in Fig. 1 snowing par- 'pit removing e. 1

Figure 4 a transverse sectional view taken on line of Figure 1. i

5 is an-enlarged detail sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Figure his .a sectional view on line 66, Figure" 5, of one 'of-the pit groove scrapers. j F'gure 7 is a'view in frontelevation of the impaling device.

Figure, 8 1s a vertical sectional view taken ontheline88ofFig.7. I

Figure .9 is'a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 8 illustratingthe friction devices for the centering'plunger.

a Figure l0 is asectional view on line "10- 10 of Figure 8 illustrating the particular formation of the impaling knives.

Figure; 11 isa vertical sectional view through a'peach mounted and centered onthe impali'ng knives. s

Figure 12 is a sectional view on 12 -12 of Figure -11.

Figure 13 i 'a' vertical sectional. view through a fruit illustrating the cuts formed by the transfer membe Figure 14 is a sectional view, on line -14.-14

of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the fruit '.as conveyed b .trat-ing oneo the transfer member, illusthe cutter knives cutting a portion of the annular end of the fruit and re material therefrom.

other of the cutting knives about to remove that: portion of end of the fruitand which the cutting walls of the'transfer member.

Figure 17 is a view iii-detailed plan of'one of the conveying cups.

Figure 18 on line .18 1 8}of Figure 17 illustrating the ing cups. "Figure 19 'is ing the samein the act of holding a fruit. Figure 20 is a view in front elevation of one of the conveying cups. 0

Figure 21 is-a sectional view on of Figure 18,- c Figure 22 is a detailed sectional view of the supporting frame and-mounting-for the pit removing knives.

line 21 2 1 is'a longitudinal sectional view 1 details of construction of'one of ,the conveyfl a ,vertical "sectional through the pair, of conveying cups illustrat-' F1gure'23is a view detailed elevation,

groove at the stem mo gapo'rtion of'the A Figure; l6 is a view of-the same fruit-cut as indicated in Fig.' '15 and illustratin'g'anu 110, the slice from the opposite slice was cut by partlyin section, of the pit removing knives and their mounting about to embrace a pit and be received in the groove formed by the removed slice.

Figure 24 is. a view similar to Figure 23 with the pit removing knives received in a groove.

knife mounting.frameillustrating in dotted lines the bearing for the pit removing knives.

Figure 26 is a vertical sectional view on line 26-26 of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a fragmental view of the pitting knives.

Figure 28 is a view through a fruit with the pltting knives in operation during the removal of the it therefrom and illustrating particularly t e annular groove formed in the fruit by the removal of the slice.

Figure 29 is a view in detailed elevation of the operating mechanism mounted on the drive shaft.

Figure 30 is a view in side elevation of the cam elements illustrated in Figure 29.

Figure 31 is fa vertical sectional view'on line 3131, Figure 29, viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 32 is a view in detailof the mechanism for imparting oscillatory movement to the pit removing knives.

Figure 33 is a view in top plan of the main shaft illustrated in Figure 32 showing the segmental gear carried thereby.

Figure 34 is a vertical sectional view of a peach mounted on the impaling knives.

Figure is the same view of the same peach after the impaling knives have posifruit illustrating the annular tioned the same within one of the slots of the transfer member, the lines indicating the cuts formed by the edges of the transfer member.

Figure 36' is a similar view of the fruit during the cycle of its operation, the darkened area indicating the first portion of the slice removed in the formation of the annular groove.

Figure 37 is a similar view of the frult 1n another stage of its operation, illustrating the recesses made by the withdrawing of the impaling knives, and the portion of the slice cut from the blossom end of the fruit relieving the side portions of the slice'upon each outer edge of the impaling devices, the darkened area surrounding the pit being the only portion of the slice adhering to the pit and ul p F igure 38 is a similar view of the fruit illustrating all portions of the slice beingremoved, the darkened portion being that portion adhering to the pit.

Figure 39 is a similar view of the fruit with the adhering portion cleared from the it. p Figure 40 is a view in end elevation of the groove formed by the removal of the slice.

Figure 25 is a view in end elevation of the member 4 (Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8) upon which a head 5 is mounted. Detachably secured in the head 5 preferably by means of the threaded sections 6 (Figures 8 and 11) are the im- 'paling knives 7 which are preferably disposed parallel to each other in substantiall thesame vertical plane (Fig. 10) with their sharp edges 8 outward and relatively broad backs 9 thereof toward each other. Slidably supported in the center of the head 5 substantially midway between the knives 7, is a centering member 11. A centering point 12 shaped to fit within the stem depression of the fruit to be pitted is formed on or secured to oneend of the member 11. The opposite end of the centering member 11 is provided with grooves 13 (Figure 9) in which the balls 14 are adapted to seat. Balls 14 are retained within recesses 15 formed in the enlarged uppervend 16 of member 16 which is rigidly secured to and supported from the frame 1 (Figure 8). The enlarged end 16 is provided with a central bore 17 in which the grooved end of the member 11 slidably fits. Balls 14 are forced partially through openings in the bottom of the recesses 15 into the grooves 13-of the member 11, by means of the springs 18 which are held in position by the retaining rings 18'. Balls 14 are pressed into the bore 17 by springs 18 with sufiicient pressure and the bit of member 11 in the head 5 is sufiiciently free so that as the carriage 3 moves to the left inFigure 1, the end of member 11 will enter bore 17 .until the balls 14 are engaged, and the member 11 forced to the .position shown in Figure 8.

When. however, the fruit is to be impaled on a the knives 7 the end pressure exerted on the member 11 by the operator in impaling the fruit is suflicient to force the member 11 through .the bore 17 past balls 14 until the parts assume the position shown" -by the dotted line in Figure 8. i

Rig-idly secured to the bottom of the car riage 3 is a rack 19 (Fig. 1) which meshes with and is driven by a pinion 20. Pinion 20 is supported upon and meshes with a rack 21 secured to the framework 1; and is journaled in a spindle 22 in the end of actuating links 22 (Figures 1 and 2-). Links 22' are pivotally secured at their other endsto the of the carriage 3 is a supporting bracket 2 upper end of arm 23 by'means of a pin 23' and at its lower end is pivotally supported from frame 1 by the member 23".. 'Pivotally connected to the arm 23, at a point intermediateits ends, is a member 24 in, which 18 formed a guide and supporting slot 25. V A

,cam shaft 26'suitably supported from frame 1 extends through slot 'and' shdably supports member 24. 'Rotata-bly supported from and carried on opposite sides of member,24fl (Figures 1 and 2) are the actuating rollers '27 and 27'. The roller 27' is engaged by an actuating cam 28 (Figures 1. 29. and

which is keyed to and driven by the shaft "Qtateda reciprocating motion will be im-- 26 in a manner to impart a motion to the right in Figure 1. As cam shaft 26 is ro- 1- parte d to'member 24 causing actuation of pinion 20 to impart a reciprocating motion' to rack 19 and carriage 3. Cam 28 is pro-' vided with a relatively flatportion 29 (Figure' 30) so arranged that a slight .pause 1S caused in the reciprocating movement of the parts when the carriage 3- is at-theleftend'of its travel as shown in Figure 1, and an abrupt portion 30 is provided to. give the carriage 3 a sudden movement asit approaches the end of its travel to the right in Figure 1. Shaft 26 is driven by a' gear 31'r1gidly secured thereto (Figures 1, 2 and 3) which meshes with and is driven by a pinion 32. Pinion manner.

32 ismounted on and driven by a drive shaft -33 suitably journaled in the frame -1, and

driven by a pulley 34 or in any other suitable Supported on and secured to the-frame 1 is a frame structure 35 provided:with the verticallegs 36 in which shaft37 (Figs. 1 and 5) is journaled. Secured on the outer end of the shaft 37 is a radially slotted memberv 38 of the Genevagear (Fig. 1). Supported below the member 38 in the vertical leg 36 is a1 stub shaft 39 (Figures. 1 and 2) to the outer end of whicha-crank 40 is secured.

Secured 'to and extending from one side of crank. 40 is a crankpin 41 which is adapted .to enter the radialslots42 of the member 38.

Accordingly as crank 40'is rotated in-the direction of the arrow in Figure 1, pin 41 will enter the slot 42 at the right thereof and will cause rotation of member 38 an angulardis-f tance, of 90 degrees of each revolution "of crank 40, and as the pin 41 leaves the slot 42, member 38 will come to rest and the locking section 43 will'mesh with the adjacent are shaped locking section 44*holding'm'ember 38' locked against rotation until pin.41 again enters the slot. 42 to the rightthei'eof in Figlive 1, when 'the sector 43 will be disengaged from the adjacent are shaped section 44 and r will permitrotation of member 38 another quarter of a revolution. Shaft 39 is driven by asprocket 44' which inturn is driven from shaft 26 by means of thesprocket 45 secured thereto (Figures 1, 2 and 3) through chain 45'.

Supported on-the shaft 37 is'a transfer and slicing device 46 made up of cutting plates 47 WhlCh are spaced apart'sufliciently and so positioned as to permit the entry of the knives 7, between their inner surfaces when carriage3 is moved to the right in Fi ure 1. Formed at. angular distances of degrees around plates 47 are the radial fruit receivbottom edges 49' (Figs-1 and 5).. p The parallel sidewalls. of the slot 48 are s aced apart s'uflicient distance to permit the entry of the pit of a fruit such as a peach with the f plane of the fin edge or natural rib or suture .of the pit formation substantially midway between plates 47 and parallel thereto when 51 (Figs; 15' and 36) will be removed from the end of fruit carried in member 46 as it rotates past the same in the .manner shown in Figure 15. Located opposite the point .of

fixing the fruit on the transfer member 46 is a knife 52 supported from frame 1 by means of the bracket v53 (Figure 5) in a manner to permitreciprocation of bed 3. Knife ,52- is provided with a curved portion 54 extending upward between parallel plates v47 andterminates in acutting point- 55. As the fruit carried on member 46 rotates past knife 52 a slice 56 (Figs. 16 and 37) is removed from thexblossom end of the fruit, and slice ing slots 48,provided with the converging sections 57 and 58 located between the lates 47 and which had been previously cut y in sertion intothe receiving recesses 48 of member 46 arefreed from the pulp. With the removal of slice section 56 a groove or channel 59 (Figs. 40 and 42) is formed aroundthe fruitygreater than the width of the strip removed by the thickness of the wed e shaped cutting plates extendin s'ubstantia 1y t0 the "core or to thefi'n or rib or suture of the channel being that indicated-by 61 or groove 59 and closely surrounding the pit .60. As the transfer member rotates, the slice of the flesh. cut from the fruit-bythe knife 52 will be removed from between a knife 61 (Fig. 5) suitably supported from the frame -1 by means-of brackets 61" and ex tending between the inner surfaces. of the plates 47. The pulp sections 57 and 58 will be removed from between the plates 47 by the knife 52 as the plates are rotated.

.[ Secured to projections or flanges at oppo- III A of the pit 60 the only pulp remaining at the base (Figs. 37 and 38) in the base of 'th'eTchannelplates 47 by V V and 20.) Disposed within a recess portion of dia-phragms 67 are flat spiral spring members 70 which are held in position at the outer periphery byprojecting sections of securing rings 68. Spring 70 at its center is secured to a cupped member 71 rigidly secured to or formed integrally with stems 72 to which are secured valve members 73. Valve members 73 close a valve seat 74 supported in the base of members 65, when diaphragms 67 are undefiected. Rigidly secured to the tubular extensions 64' are tubular guide members 74' slidably supported in the bearing 63 and the ends of the extensions 74 are connected by means of the flexible tubular connections 75 to a source of air pressure. An actuating link 76 is pivotally connected at one end by means of a collar 77 to each tubular extension 64'. At their opposite ends the links 7 6 are connected by means of the pins 78 to the crank 79. Each crank:

79 is rigidly secured to a stub shaft 80 journaled in the supporting bracket 62'. Shaft 80 is driven by a pinion 81 which in turn meshes-with and is driven by a gear 82. Gears 82 are rigidly secured and rotatable with spindles 83 j ournaled in brackets 62, and are driven by pinions 84 which mesh with and are driven by racks 85 (Figure 21) formed on actuating members 86. Actuating members 86 are slidably supported in the tubular bearings 87 which are formed on the brackets 62'. Members 86 extend beyond the ends of the supporting member 87 (Figures 1, 17 and 21).

As carriage 3 approaches the limit of its travel to the left in Figure 1, one end of the members 86 will engage the adjustable stops which are supported from framework 35.

This forces the members 86, together with the racks 85 forward through the bearing members 87 and imparts a rotation to pinions 83 which will cause-drivin" of the gears .82 and 81 to rotate the crank 7 9 and to impart an inward motion to the heads 65. The

movement inward of the cup 65 causes a gripping of the fruit (Fig. 19) as will more fully hereinafter appear and causes unseating of the valves 73. This permits air pressure from the connection 75 to enter into the interior of heads 65 forcing the elastic diaphragms 67 and the springs 70 into en age-,

ment with the fruit with a pressure su cient to hold the same securely without causing injury thereto. As carriage 3 moves to the right in Figure 1 a fruit such as a pea'ch gripped between heads 65 will be forced between a air of scraping knives 89 Fig.1 and 5) w ich are adapted to scrape t e-pulp 61 from the base of the groove or channel 59 which has been formed in the fruit.

Scraping knives 89 are each formedof a pair of parallel blades 90 which have their outer surfaces spaced and positioned rela tively so that they will enter into channels 59 formed in the fruit, as the carriage moves to the right. Blades 90 are secured to a curved supporting back 91 (Figures 1 and 6) which is slidably mounted in curved seats formed by the guide members 92. Guide members 92 are provided with supporting flanges 93 which are secured to cross members 94 of frame 35. The blades 90 are provided with edges 95 which are normally in parallel relation and spaced a art suificientl toreceive the pity or core of t e fruit. Each pair of blades 90 is united by a section 96 which sections are normally in contact at 97 as shown in Figures 1 and 5. Knives 89 are provided with members 98 secured at one end tobacks 91 and extending outwardly through slots 98' formed. in the guide member 92. Springs 99 secured at one end to the outer ends of members 98 and to pins 99, of the fixed guide .members 92. Asthe frui't held between the heads 65 is forced between knives 89 by movementof the carriage 3, the pit or core will engage the knife members 96 and will rock the knives to the position shown by the broken line in Figure 5, and the pulp at the base of the channel will be scraped from around, the pit. As the fruit passes beyond members 96, springs 99 will restore knives 89 to the normal position shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

Supported from the frame at the rear end thereof are the standards 101 (Figures 1, 3, 22, and 32) in the upper end of which carriage 102 is sl-idably supported in suitable guide ways. Formed in the carriage 102 is a central opening or recess 103 (Figs. 22 and 32) in which elongated pinion 104 is mounted for rotation. The pinion 104 is provided with locating extension or shoulder 104' to hold it in position in the recess 103 and'is rigidly secured to atubular member 105 rotatably supported in frame 103. Extending through the tubular member 105, and through the ends of the carriage 103 is a shaft 106 which is slidably keyed to the tu-. bular member 105 by means of a key 107.

From the forward end of the carriage 102 extends a supporting member 109 in which the forward end of the shaft 106 is journaled, and to extensions 109' of which the jaw members 110'are pivotally connected at 110. Jaw members 110 have formed therein the recesses 111 which are shaped to encom- (Figs. 23 to '27).

closedthe flat sides of sections 117 of the knives 116 come together forming a cylinjThe actuating members 124 Pam the pit or core of the to be pitted or cored. In closed position of gagement. Connected pivotally to jaws 110 at their mid portions are the ends of links 113 which at their other ends. are connected at points 113' to frame members 94 by mem.-

bers 114. Pitting or cutting knives 115 are. adaptedto rest in' recesses 111 of jaws'- 1l0 and are provided with three 'curvedsldes forming cutting edges 116. Formed on the outer end of each knife is a half cylindrical extension 117 (Figs. 25. and 26) resting in a half cylindricalseat formed in the surfaces. 112 of jaws .110. Retainingplates 118 secured to the 'ends of jaws 1 10. are provided with'the half conical centering members 119 'which fit into half conical recesses 120 in the ends of the half cylindrical sections 117 When the jaws 110 are drical support for the knives 115 in the ends of jaws 110, and theends' of the sections 119 of the conical centering members arebrought together in a manner to form a centering :point about which the knives 115 may be rotated on their extensions 117 with-relation to the ends of'the-jaws 110. site ends the knives. 115 are at 121 to a supporting men;

I At their oppo r 122 'ourn'aled p, in the ends of theextension 109 o carria e 102. Member 122 is *2 secured preferabl 1ndetachable manner to h the ends ofthe s aft 106. Formed integrally with or secured to carriage 102 are. the side extensions 123 (Figure 22) inwhichthedprgjegtiing actuasu a y secure mg members 124 area are positioned in alignment'with the end surfaces 125 ofthe bearings 63 .carried'by the carriage-3, and as carriage 3 ap roaches the end of its move ment. to the rigt in Figure 1 the surfaces 124 and-125 of bearing 63 will engage the members 124 and will forcethe carriage 103 to the right in Figures "1 and 22 tension of springs 126. Springs cured at one end to standards 101 by means of the pins l27'a'nd at their'other ends are secured to extensions 128 of the carriage;'102 and normally urge the left in Figures 1 and 22, holding the jaws 110 inopenposition as. shown in Figure 23.

The range of openings of the 'aws. is controlled by means of screws 124. he jaws are adj ustedwith opening'sufiicient to allow pas sa e of the largestdiameter pit measurement ta 'en over the fin like or .rib edge or suture of the pit. To permit the knives I"to a dj ust themselves 'slightl in recesses lll'asthejaws 110 open and. c ose, a slight endwise movement of the shaft 106 is permitted in the tubular member 105. To provide for. this movement of knives-1'15, extensions 128 of' carriage 102 areprovided npon'which a movthe jaws 110 (Fig. 24) the surfaces 112 thereof arein cm.

110' are closed, springs 129 ivoted or hinged against the 126 are carriage,102 to the.

able plate 1291s supported. I'late 129 is normally held to the right in Figures 1 and 22 by means of the springs 129 mounted on extensions 128. The end of the shaft 106 is ex-, tendedthrough the plate 129 and terminates in a head 130. As jaws 110 and the knives 115 open, the shaft 106 is permitted to move forward, carrying with it, through the action of head 130, the movable plates 129 and compressing springs 129' slightly. When jaws will force-the plates 129 and the head 130 together with the shaft 106 to the rig-ht until the knives are properly positioned for operation. 1

,The pinion 104 meshes with and is driven by a gear segment 131 (Figure 32) which is rigidly secured to and rotatable with a spin dle 132 suitably supported from standard 101. 1 Spindle 132 is driven by a pinion 133 rigidly secured theretowhich is formed ona rack member 135 which is guided for vertical reciprocating movement in a bore 136 formed in one of the members 101. Secured to the lower end of the rod 135-is a'plate 137 (Figures3, 29 and 31) which is provided with a vertical slot 138 into which the shaft 26 slid'ably fits. A cam roller 139, securedto an extension of plate 137 by means of apin139,

engages and is actuated by a cam 140 secured to shaft 26, rotates cam 140, imparts a verti- 'c'al reciprocating movement to the plate 137 and to rod .135 guidedby bore 136 and slot 138. As the rack 134 reciprocates vertically, an oscillating motion will shaft. 106 and the knives115. through pinion 133, gear segment 131 and the pinion 104. l :Opmtibn be imparted to the i In operation of the machine the main shafts 33 and" 26 are continuously driven from the'drive pulley 34 (Fig. 21).: Rotation of the shaft 26 actuates the cams 28 and 28 (Figures 1 and 30) which engage the rollers 27 and 27 imparting a reciprocating motion to member 24 (Figure 1). Reciprocation of the member 24 oscillates the arm 23 about-its pivot and causes the pinion 20 to be actuated back and forth across the rack 21. This movement of the-pinion 20 causes a rotation thereof and reciprocates rack 19 and carriage 3. As carriage 3 reaches the left end of its travel in Figure 1, it comes to rest moinentarily as the relatively flat portion 29 of the .cam 28 passesby roller 27. In this interval of rest of the carriage, the operator positions a fruit such as a peach to be pitted with the. point of attachment of the stem of the fruit 1 against; the center point 12 of the centering 'member 11 as shown in Figure 8,'and with the fruit in such a position that a plane through the greatest width of the pit willbe in alignment with the knives 7.- 1 When the fruit, to I be itted is a peach, the peach will be held in suc position thatthe central vertical plane of the knives 7 will be substantially in a plane cated in Figures 13, 14 and 35, and will be to the left as shown inFigures 8 and Qijthe' the carriage 3 to the right in Figure 1. As

cam 28 rotates, the carriage will be moved to the right and when the carriage approaches the end of its movement to the right, the

functioning and relation of parts is such that transfer member 46 will be positioned with one set of the fruit receiving recesses 48 in proper position to receive the impaled fruit. As the projection 30 of cam 28 asses the roller 27, the fruit will be plunge into. the aligned receiving recess 48 as shown in Fig. 11 with a plane through crease B (Figs. 12 and 14) positioned between and substantially parallel to plates 47. The fruit will be cut substantially to the depth of the pit as indiheld with the fin like or ribbed edge or suture of the 'oit disposed between the plates 47.

As the rotation of the shaft 26 continues, cam 28 will engage the roller 27' of the member 24 causing'movement of member :24 together with pinion 20 and carriage 3 to the left in Figu'rel and withdrawing the im aling knives 7 from the fruit. As the carriage 3 returns to the left in Figure 1 pin 41 of the :crank 40 will rotate in the direction ;of the arrow and will enter the slot 42-of the member 38 positioned to the right thereof and will rotate member 38 and the shaft 37 through an angle of 90 degrees. When the bed 3 approaches'thev end of its movement and of the memberll will engage the alls 14 (Fig. 8) in the projection 16 of the frame 1, and the centering member 11 will be returned to the full lined position shown in Figures 1 and 8 as the carriage 3 reaches the end of its stroke. The operator then impales another fruit on the knives 7 during the momentary interval in which carria e 3 is at rest as set forth and the carriage t en'starts on another movement to. the right. As carriage 3 approaches the end of this movement to theright, another set of receiving recesses 48 of the transfer member will be positioned to receive the fruit as'above set forth. The

carriage will then start on its return movement to the left in Figure 1 and the impaling knives 7 are withdrawn from the fruit. -Pin 41 of crank-40 will enter into another slot 42 of the member 38 which will be properly positioned to receive the same, and will-impart another rotation of 90 degrees to the shaft 37 Rotation of member 46 will carry the fruit plunged in recesses 48 past the knives 50 and 51 (Figures 5 and 15) and a slice will be removed from the stem end of the fruit as shown inFigures 15 and 36. Further rotation of transfer member 46 will carry the fruit past the cutting knives 55 and will remove a slice from the blossom or spike end 'of the fruit as shown in Figures 16 and 37.

On this second-forward movementof carriage 3 after the fruit is transferred to member 46, itwill be positioned between heads and as the carriage 3 approaches the end of its movement to the'left in Fig. 1, rack member 86 (Figures 1, 17 and 21) will engage the step members 88, and will force the rack members 86 forward in their bearings 87.

Movement of rack members 86 will cause the will impart a rotation to the shafts 83, gears- 82, pinions 81 and crank 79. Crank 79 will move through 180 degrees causing links 76 to shift collars 77 and tubular members 64 together with heads 65 inward to engage the fruit positioned between the heads. As the heads 65 move inward, the central cup members 71 thereof will engage opposite sides of the fruit and elastic dia hragms 68'will deflect in conformation wit the configuration of the fruit, unseating valves 73, and permitting sufficient air pressure to enter the cup 65 and back of the diaphragm 68 to cause a firm gripping of the fruit without exerting iuflicient pressure thereon to deform the nut.

As the carriage 3 moves forward in its next. movement, the fruit gripped between heads 65 will be removed from the transfer member 46 and carried forward or to the' right in Figure 1, with a channel or groove '59 formed therein as indicated in Figure 38.

As the carriage 3moves forward, knives 89 will enter channel 59 with the pit disposed between edges 95 of plates 90. Continued forward movement of carriage will force the pit past the scraping members 96 of knives 89. causing the knives to rotate in the curved seats formed in guides 92. as'indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 5, against the tension of the springs 99. This will result in scraping the pulp 61 in the bottom of channel 59 from the pit substantially as indicated in Figure 39. After the pit has passed the knives 89, springs 99 will return the knives 89 to the full line position shown in Figures 1 and 5.

As movement of the carriage 3 to the right continues, the fruit will be positioned between the jaws 110 as shown in Figure 23. Further movement of the carriage to the right will cause surfaces 125 of the bearings 63 thereof to engagethe projecting stubs or actuatin and carnage 102 together with the jaws 110 willbe forced to the right in Figures 5 and members 124 of thecarriage 102,

- a return movement of the links'76 and outward movement ofthe tubular members 64 and the related parts will be forced to closed position shownby the dotted line position in Figure 5 and shown in Fig. 23. Jaws 110 will enter channel 59, encompassing the pit as shown in Figure 24 and will'hold the fruit against rotation.

During the forward movement of the carriage 3, as the fruit between heads 65 is being positioned between, the jaws .110, an-, other fruit; will be transferred from the impaling knives 7 to the transfer member 46. While jaws 110 are closing in channel 59 in the'fruit positioned between heads 65,- rack members 86 will engage. stop members 142 supported from the frame members,

I (Fig. 1

35, orcmg rack members 86 .to the rear 1n the bearing members 87 and causing rotation" of pinion 84 and the partsdriven thereby in a reverse direction. This reversal of rotation ofpinion .84 will rotate the crank 7 9 causing and the heads leaving the fruit supported in jaws, 110. Air-under pressure from the flexible connection 75 will then force diaphragms 68 outward causing the valves 73 to seat and. cutting-the air pressure from the interior of heads 65.

As soon as the jaws llO'are closed and the pit or core is encompassed by the knives 115,

the high portion of the cam 140 on shaft -26, ri s-.3, 29, and 31) will pass by the roller 139 and will force plate 137 togetherwith the rod 135 and the rack 134 upward;

Upward movement of the rack 134 will ro- 'tate the pinion 133 and segment131, causing airotation of the pinion 104-and shaf 106. Rotation of shaft 106. willrotate the lnives 115: as indicated in Figure 28 to form-a cut, around the pit of the fruit starting from thefin like or rib edge or suture of the pit,'an d will free the pit from the separated halves;

ofthe pulp or flesh as indicated in Figures 41 and 42 ofthe drawings. As soon'as the cups 65. are moved voutward carriage 3may. return-to the left in Figure 1 and as it 1"'.eaches the left end of its stroke,

heads 65 will again move inward .to grip a fruit or peachpposition'ed in the transfer device 4 6,,and thecycle'of operations above. set

. forth will be repeated, As soon 'as the knives 1,15 have rotated through about 180 degrees the roller 139 Ima-y 'drop'ofi of the hi'gh point of the earn 140, and knives 115 will bereturned by the weight ofthe' parts to their initial. position nested in the recesseslll' of the'jaws 110 for the next operation. As the carriage 3 returns to the left in Figures 1 and 2.2 am surfaces 125 will be disengaged from the end of projecting mem bers 124 of carriage 102 and springs 126 will return.carriage 102 to the" left causing the jaws 110 toopen as shown in Figures 5 and.

23. As the cut is formed aroun the pit by from the the knives 115 the freed halves of the fruit will dro away from the pit. I

It wilFbe seen that the parts are all properly timed so that a continuous cycleof operations is carried out on r peaches and like cut grooves, or. incision around the fruit entering-of the pitting knives in the channel cut or groove-so formed alon the fin likeor rib edge or along the line 0 the s'uture'of 'the' pit, and then severing the pit from the fruits which comprises forming a channel,

pulp by starting from the fin like or rib edge I r-ied out in various manners and for pitting peaches consists essentially in entering a cutting knife or knives along th fin like or rib pit, severing the pit edge orsuture of'the from the halves by starting from the fin like or'rib edge or suture of the pit and separating the pulp in halves.

The method may v obviously-be carried out by hand by inserting a cutting knife or pitting spoon from the- 'stemren'd of the fruit along'the fin'like or ribedge or the'suture edge of the pit in the plane of the crease, which appears on the outside of the peach, then cutting from the fin like or rib-edge or the suture of the pit around and through the pulp to free the pulp from the pit, and either before or after the pulp has been cut to'thed'epth of the pit, the

pitting spoon or knife may be withdrawn and a cut formed aroundthe peach to separate the same in halves either-inthe plane of the crease or elsewhere around the peach;

It will be then found that'the halves may be separated and the pit will-drop from the pulp. My improved methods may be car.- ried out by removing'a slice from around the pit of the fruit as disclosed in my Patent No; 1,441,490, inserting apittingknife or spoon in the channel formed in this manner around the pulp, and cutting thepit free from .the pulp. Instead ofcuttinga slice be formed in the .fruitvin the plane of the crease or fin like or rib edge or, the suture pulp-to form a channel, a cut may of the'pit, and thep'ulp-maybe wedged apart sufficiently either by-the cutting knife or another implement to separate the pulp. A p'ittingknife may be ,enteredlin the channel so formed along the fin like orrib'edge or the suture of'the pit and utilized to separate ,the'p ulp from the pit. v 4 a It will be seen that the im roved methods j y l carried out by my apparatus 'ereinbefore set forth may also be carried out by difierentforms of apparatus. 7

Accordingl havingdescribed preferred embodiment of apparatus for carrying out my invention, and various ways by which the methods involved ma be carried out independently of the particular apparatus, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent and claimed as new is:

1. A peach pitting and halving apparatus including means for cutting and removing 'an annular slice circumferentially from the peach substantially to the depth of the pit,-

to separate the pulp into halves each adhering to a portion of the pit, and means receivable in the annular groove formed by the removal of the slice and movable circumferen- 1, including means for cutting a peach annulartially of the pit at right angles to the groove for severing the adhering portions of the pulp from the pit.

2. A peach pitting and halving apparatus including means for formin a groove circumferentially of a peach to t e depth of the l pit to divide the pulp into sections each adering to the pit, and a knife receivable in said groove and movable about the longitudinal axis of the pit for severing the a hering portions of the sections from the pit.

3. A peach halving and'pitting apparatus including devices for cutting a peach circumferentially in parallel planes substantially'to the depth of the pit and for removing the.

portion between the cuts from the peach to.

form a roove circumferentially-of the same and to form the pul into sections each adhering to the pit, an means receivable within the groove for embracing the pit and movable around the pit to separate the adhering portions of the sections from the pit.

4. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for'cutt-ing a each annularly to separate the pulp to the depth of a central core to be removed comprising the substantially intact pit; normally curved cuttin means receivable in theline of said cut; and means for rotating said cutting means about said pit in a manner to cut said central core free om the pulp.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 4 together with means for holding the cut peach in position tobe engaged by said cutting means. v j

6. A peach halving and pitting apparatus ly to separate the pulp substantially into halves, with a portion of each adhering to the pit, means for separating the adhering por- ,tions of the halves from the pit, peach feeding means including a pair of peach impalin knives, and means for centering the peac onto said knives.

7. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for cutting a peach annular- -ly to separate the pulp substantially into halves, with a portion of each adhering to the pit, means for separating the adheringfpob ch ee the same onto the knives.

8. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for'cutting a peach annularly' to separate the pul substantially into halves, with a portion 0 each adhering to the pit, means for separating the adhering portions of the halves from the pit, peach feeding means including a pair of peach impaling knives, and means movable relative to the knives for reception within the stem depression of the peach for centering the same onto the knives.

9. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for cutting apeach annularly to separate the pulp substantially into halves, with a portion of each adhering to the pit, means for separating the halves from the pit, peach feeding means including impalin devices and a centering member one mova le relatively to the other, the centering member adapted for projection in ad vance of the impaling devices for reception within the depression at the stem end of the peach for guiding the peach onto the impaling devices.

10. A fruit halving and itting apparatus including movable means or receiving and arcuately cuttin a peach inwardly from its surface substantially to the depth of the pit for a portion of the circumference and in parallel planes substantially diam'etricaL-devices for completing the circumferential cut of the peach in the same planes and for reremoving a slice to the depth of the pit between said cuts to provide a oove circumferentially of the peach and orm half portions each adhering to the pit, means receivable in the groove and movable circumferentiall of the pit for severing the adhering portlons of the half sections from the pit, and conveying members for engaging the fruit and for conveying the same from the movable cutting means to the pit removing means.

11. A fruit halving and itting apparatus including movable means or receiving and arcuately cuttin" a peach inwardly from its surface substantially to the depth of the pit fora portion of the circumference and in parallel planes substantially diametrical, devices for completing the circumferential cut of the peach in the same planes and, for removing a slice to the depth of the pit between said cuts to provide a groove circumferentially of the fruit and form half sections each adhering to the pit, means receivable in the groove and adapted for yieldably engaging the pit to remove the pulp substantially in the plane of the groove adherin' thereto, means receivable in-the groove an movable circumferentially of the pit for severing the adhering portiohs of the halves therefrom,

and members for engaging the fruit on opposite sides of the groove and for conveying the same from the movable cutting means including means for halving and pitting. a

peach, peach conveying means comprising opposing co-operating cupped members, elastic enga ing surfaces associated with the cupped members, means for moving the cupped members to and fromeach other into and from peach engaging and releasing position, and

'- means for exerting a fluid pressure on said elastic surfaces to cause the same to conform 'to the contour of a portion of the peach engaged thereby, and a fluid pressure controlling valve automatically opened on the engagement of the fruit between saidmembers.

14. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for halving and pitting a peach, peach conveying means comprising opposing co-operating cupped members, means for moving the cupped members to andfrom each other, an elastic surface over the mouth ofeach cupped member for closing the same, means for exerting a fluid pressure within each cup for causing the elastic surfaces to conform to the contour of a portion of the fruit engaged thereby, and means for moving said cups in unison at right anglesto their movement relative to each other. 15. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means for halving and pitting a peach, peach engaging means comprising a pair of co-operating cupped members movable on a common axis to and from each other into peach engaging and releasing position, a movable bed on which said cupped members are mounted, means for reciprocating the bed, and devices coacting with the cupped members for imparting relative movement thereto during'the reciprocation of the bed in opposite directions.

-16. A peach halving and pitting apparatus including means" for halving and pitting a peach, said means including a pair of oscillatorv knives, each consisting of a pair of parallel blades, the cooperating blades of opposing knives being disposed in parallel planes with the forward portion of the cutting edges normally lying in spaced relation providing a normally open pit receiving recess, the rearward portion of said cutting edges converging toward each other, scraping means disposed transversely across the rear'portions of the cutting edges of the respective pairs of blades, yieldable means for normally maintaining the forward portions of the knives se arated, and means for con veying a fruit t erebetween to cause a slice of pulp tobe removed to the depth of the pit.

17. A fruit pitting or coring apparatus com rising means for separating the pulp'of the ruit to be pitted or cored substantially to a central core to be removed, and means adapted to enter between the separated portions of the pulp to hold the fruit and to sever the central core to removed from the pulp.

18. In combination, means for separating -the flesh portion of a fruit to a central core to be removed therefrom; and holding and cutting means adapted to enter between the separated flesh portion to hold the fruit and sever avcentral core-from the fruit.

' 19. A fruit pitting and coring ap' aratus 7 comprising means for engaging the ruit to be pitted or cored within the outer periphery of the flesh portion thereof and outside of the periphery of the central core to be removed,

and means disposed within said first menbe removed from the outer flesh portion thereof, the central core being positioned by engagement with said last mentioned means.

20. In a fruit pitting apparatus, means for separating the flesh portion of the fruit to be itted substantially to the depth of a central core to be removed therefrom and substantially through the plane of greatest sectional area of the pit; and meansforcutting a core whose outer surfaces are surfaces of revolution and including the substantially intact pit from the flesh portion of the fruit starting from said plane.

21. A fruit coring and pitting a paratus comprising means for cutting the pn p of the fruit substantially to the depth of a central core to be removed; severing means receivable in the line of said out and normally shaped to conform to the outline of the central core to be removed; and means for rotating said severing means starting from the line of said out through the pulp of the fruit to sever said central core from the remainder of tioned means for severing the central core to 23. The combination as set forth in claim a 21 together with holding means comprising a member adapted to engage the periphery of the fruit to position the same for said curved knife.

24. The combination as set forth in claim 21 in which said severing means comprises a pair of curved pitting knives.

25. A device of the class praising a' support, cooperating slicing memrs mounted on said support-in predetermined relation, and having a guideway formed therein to permit the passage of a fruit in the formation of a slice, providing access to the pit.

26. In a fruit pitter, the combination of a fruit holder having a slot adapted to receive an-intact fruit pit, the'fruit holder providing spaced apart members having flat surfaces lying in the same plane adapted to hold the fruit in a kerf formed in the fruit on opposed sides -of the pit, and pitting means adapted to sever the pit from the fruit when held on said fruit holder.

27. In a fruit pitter, the combination of a fruit holder providing spaced 'flat blades adapted'to hold the fruit from within the gaged by t interior of the fruit on opposed sides of the intact pit and revoluble knives ada ted to sever the it from the fruit when so eld by said fruit older.

28. In a fruit pitter adapted to receive a fruit with its pit intact, of slotted means for holding the fruit in a kerf formed on opposed sides of the pit, curved pitting means conforming to approximately one half of the contour of the pit adapted to enter said fruit in the kerf, and means adapted to rotate the itting. means about an axis passin approxlmately through the center of the pit to sever the fruit flesh from the pit and permit the fruit to fall from said olding means in halves.

29. In a fruit )itter, means for substan-. tially dividing a ruit in its plane of suture into halves held together b the fruit pit, means for holding the fruit by engaging the fruit between the halves, and means movable transversely of said holding means in a predetermined path for severing the flesh of the fruit from the fruit pit to free the fruit pit from said fruit halves. p

30. In a fruit pitter, the combination of means for substantially dividing the fruit into halves in the plane of its suture,,means for supporting the fruit on opposite sides of the fruit pit between the said halves, the supporting1 means being arranged to be ene pit to locate it in predetermined position, and means adapted to enter the fruit around the formed in t e flesh of the fruit to sever the flesh from the fruit pit and permit the divided portions of the fruit to fall away from the support. 7

31. In a fruit pitter, means for cutting the flesh of the fruit substantially into halves adhering to the intact pit, means for sup.-

described, comthe fruit by engaging it thus held through the, device porting the fruit by engaging the fruit between the halves on opposite sides of the pit, means operable to pass over curved redetermined path' and separate the halved nit from the intact pit.

' 32. In a fruit pitter, means for slicing the flesh of the fruit in the plane of its suture, means engaging on opposite sides of the intact pit, and means for severing the halved flesh of the fruit from the intact pit.

33. In a cling-stone peach pitter, the combination of means for cutting the peach on opposed sides of the stone substantially to thedepth of the stone to substantially divide the peach into two halves held together by the stone, means for holding the peach from within the cuts formed, and means adapted the pit in a the fruit within the slice to enter the cuts and pass around-the stone to sever the flesh of the peach' from the stone.

and complete the division :of the-peach intoi halves, said last named means moving trans:

versely of the holding means .at the'begin ning and end of-jits severing cut, whereby.

said holding means cooperates named means to produce clean cuts.

withsaidlast 34. In a fruit pitter,-means for forming a r kerf in the flesh of the fruit in the plane of its suture, means engaging the fruit within the kerf for supporting the fruit with the pit intact, and pitting means lying substantially in the plane of said supporting meansand adapted to pass over and to return to said plane to sever the fruit flesh from the pit and cause the halved flesh of the fruit to fall from the support free from the intact pit.

35. In a fruit itter, means for cutting the flesh. of the fruit substantially into halves adhering to the intact pit, means to support the same between the halves on opposite sides of the pit, and curved knives to pass over the pit while the fruit is mounted on the support and separate the halves from the pit.

36. A fruit pitter comprising means to form a halving cut in the rotatable means to cut the intact pit from the fruit, said means conforming approximately to a substantial portion of the outline of the pit in the plane of its suture and designed to cut the pit from the flesh of the fruit, means to hold the fruit while said pitting means is functioning, and mechanism operating in timed relation to bring said holding means into operation and to then rotate said pitting means.

37. A fruit pitter comprising rotatable means to cut the pit from the fruit, said means conforming approximately to a substantial portion of the outline of thepit in the plane of its suture and being arranged to contact with an edge of the substantially intact pit to position said pit with respect thereto, holding means norma ly out of enthe pit from said plane flesh of'the, fruit, 

